Key kick of camp

He did it. Wall Street Journal reporter Stefan Fatsis, who is writing a book on life in an NFL training camp, finally kicked one through the uprights. And his would-be teammates couldn’t have been happier. Given a second chance to be a hero, Fatsis came through with a 27-yard field goal. The kick reduced the evening meeting time by 30 minutes. On his first attempt from 27 yards, Fatsis kicked a line drive, missing badly. But on his second and final chance, Fatsis got some leg going and booted one through the uprights. The Broncos lifted him up like the Patriots lifted star kicker Adam Vinatieri in the Super Bowl. Several Broncos chanted “Rudy, Rudy,” a reference to the famous Notre Dame walk-on in the 1970s. Fatsis missed twice last week, from 30 and 25 yards, with the same stakes.

Shanny barometer

Words of wisdom

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is not known for blowing up at players often. Most of his words during practice are instructional. But Shanahan on occasion will ride a player, and Tuesday produced one of those occasions. While watching an offensive drill early in practice, Shanahan happened to glance at a pass-rushing drill. Rookie defensive lineman Elvis Dumervil caught his ire. “Come on, Elvis, you’re better than that. Do (the drill) again,” Shanahan said. “You were just going through the motions.”

Quote of the day

It’s showtime, Elvis

“Myself, I am looking for a guy like Elvis Dumervil to step up. I just got all over him in practice, but that is part of being a player. You have to be accountable for your actions, but I have liked what I have seen from him, and now it is time to show it below the lights. I am looking forward to it. The guy has produced at every level, and I am anxious to see if he can do it here.”

– Veteran safety John Lynch, on what he’s looking forward to seeing Friday night during the Broncos’ preseason opener at Detroit

Cutler watch

Rookie Jay Cutler — the 11th pick in the April draft — will be working in front of familiar eyes this season. His father, Jack, has been at training camp nearly every day and will be in Detroit to see his son start his NFL playing career. The Cutler family plans on attending every game, home and road, this season. His father, who will retire from his job as an Indiana state trooper later this year, never missed one of his son’s college games.

Camp facts

If you go …

Today’s schedule: Practice begins at 8:30 a.m. and will run approximately two hours. The afternoon workout begins at 3:50 p.m. and will run until about 5:30 p.m.

Admission: Practices at Broncos headquarters in Arapahoe County are open to the public during training camp. Admission is free.

Parking: Fans attending training camp can park on the west side of the Broncos’ practice fields on a first-come, first-served basis. Lots open one hour before each practice.

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